VE Lighter Socket - 2nd Source

[Switching Camps]

In today's day and age, there are many portable gadgets that we like to have in our cars, such as :

DVD players
IPods
Sat Nav's
Mobile Phones


Almost all of these will require a power source at some stage. So am I the only one who thinks that Holden are crazy to install the lighter socket in the centre console under your left elbow rather than in the front centre console/dashboard area ?

The bluetooth in the Commodore works brilliantly with my mobile phone but it's bloody hard to dial numbers or see the name display on the phone if the handset sits inside the centre console where the power source is located. If I extend the cable out of the console it gets jammed by the lid....surely not good for the cable. If you use an IPod, you'll need the Audio cable to extend out....again, the same problem. I'm also guessing that the Sat Nav ain't going to work too well while sitting in the console with the power source, so once again, the power lead will need to be squeezed out under the console lid. What was it exactly that Holden thought you would be plugging into this source that would not need physical connectivity with the outside world ?

Anyway.....I guess the only solution is to install a second power socket in the vacant slot below the air conditioning controls which leads me to the title of this thread. Can anyone please advise how best to get this source. Is there a connector that might be hiding behind the console/dashboard area that can be used for this purpose ? Searching through various threads it appears that there is a mobile phone connector available in the VY series that required removal of the side panel and glovebox, but I'm not sure if this is also the case in the VE (SV6).

I still think it's a stupid location for the socket :flipoff:

[Jman]

I may be wrong but I do believe that if you opt to install the "smokers" package you get an ashtray with a cigarette lighter socket in place of the hinged flap under the air con controls. Roughly around $80.....I think.

[Haze]

On my Monaro, I bought a 6 output lighter socket from Big W and put it in the glovebox. I wired it up to the socket in the center console. (removed console and soldered onto the lighter socket wiring.

[Switching Camps]

On my Monaro, I bought a 6 output lighter socket from Big W and put it in the glovebox. I wired it up to the socket in the center console. (removed console and soldered onto the lighter socket wiring.

Doesn't that just move the problem to another location ? You still don't have access to your devices....or need to have cables hanging out of the glovebox.


I may be wrong but I do believe that if you opt to install the "smokers" package you get an ashtray with a cigarette lighter socket in place of the hinged flap under the air con controls. Roughly around $80.....I think.

Thanks, I'll look into this option.....assuming it can be added afterwards.

[Switching Camps]

Unfortunately, according to Holden Dealer it is not an option.

So still looking for advice from anyone who knows about any "floating" power connectors.

[Space Pope]

The cure for it is definitely a smokers pack from Holden.


The part is $121:00 and the labour is $75.00. They'll need the car for just over an hour...so be prepared to drink their coffee.

I have to do the same thing for my SSV to get power to my Nokia N95 for GPS duties.

Holden must have realised how many people are running GPS's and how many people weren't going to plump for the outragous cost of their indash system. Holdens revenge?...put a 12V outlet in an inconvenient spot in the car and make bucks later from people who now need the smokers pack to run their stuff. Sneaky, clever Holden!